Germ-free metallic container apparatus and method of fabrication

ABSTRACT

Embodiments described herein include a germ-free metallic container apparatus including an elliptical surface rim with a protruding horizontal edge and vertical boundary defining a first perimeter. The stainless-steel apparatus includes a first uniformly thick sidewall section and closed base portion at the second end which further defines a second perimeter. The base portion includes a second uniformly thick diameter which lowers the center of gravity and provides stability to the container in the upright position. The inside and outside surface is polished preventing the accumulation of bacteria and contaminants regularly found along the uneven edges within traditional beverage containers.

FIELD

The present embodiments relate to a germ-free metallic container apparatus, and to a germ-free metallic container apparatus comprised of a durable 18/8 stainless-steel material with a 1.0-millimeter-thick elliptical rim surface which provides enhanced comfort, safety and an optimal seal when pressed against the lips of the user.

BACKGROUND

In today's fast-paced society and health-centric society people are making a transition from traditional plastic containers, baby bottles, bakeware, and cookware, as the dangers of BPA and BPS. While glass containers are a chemical free alternative, they carry risk of injury from chipping and breakage. Many families have made a transition to stainless-steel cups as a quick solution to avoid the dangers associated with leaching in plastics and breakage from glass. However, there are risks associated with some metallic cups designs that many families have encountered.

Stainless-steel water bottles and containers have been used for decades but have always been much more expensive and difficult to find. Most stainless-steel cups contain a rolled rim further depicted in FIG. 1A which is difficult from clean and often traps microorganism and contaminates within the voids between the rim and wall surfaces. The unsanitary design requires the user to clean these voids with a toothbrush to reduce the trapped contaminates. However, it is nearly impossible to completely remove the contaminants or properly sanitize rolled and crimped metallic rims.

Traditional rolled rim configurations fail to form a hermetic seal with the user's lips, leading to excessive air ingestions. In addition to these traditional configurations, some metallic designs contain sharp or thin edge designs which injure a user depressed to hard against a user's lips.

Further stainless-steel designs share the same issues with the rim but are further comprised of a thin and easily dented stainless-steel that is susceptible to deforming if dropped. These basic designs often have weight and balance issues which lead to the cup easily tipping over and being further damaged.

Currently, there are several container device and apparatus which provide a germ-free environment to at least a surface of said container. Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 8,960,476 to Nurse; U.S. Pat. App. No. 2004/0022674 to Thurk; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,832 to Gabele. Though each of these references discloses certain aspects and utility associated with providing a germ-free container, they fail to provide a unique elliptical rim surface with a metallic construction which enables a germ-free environment and prevents excessive air ingestion to the mouth of a user while drinking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described herein provide a germ-free metallic container apparatus which provides a sterile germ-free environment to the contents of a cylindrically shaped and polished 18/8 stainless-steel container having an elliptical rim surface with a thickness of at least 1.0 millimeters and protruding edge which prevents excessive air ingestion to the user and prevents an accumulation of debris around the rim region. The elliptical rim surface is comprised of an 18/8 crystalized stainless-steel material which extends to the first perimeter and forms nearly a right angle with the vertical boundary which prevents the accumulation of bacteria along the bottom side of the elliptical rim surface.

The apparatus is designed with at least a 1.0-millimeter diameter elliptical rim region which narrows at the sidewalls to approximately 0.6 millimeter and further widens at the base region to provide stability when placed on a flat surface. The partially curved rim design with an enhanced thickness at the elliptical rim surface provides an optimal seal when placed against the lips of the user for drinking, and prevents any bacteria from accumulating under the rim. The crystallized 18/8 stainless-steel material provides greater durability and inhibits bacteria growth under the rim region.

Further illustrated in the embodiments is a method of fabrication including selecting and rolling the 18/8 crystallized stainless-steel material into a monolayer of material. Once slit, a uniform layer of oil lubricant is applied to the apparatus to aid in the eventual three-stage stretching of the material until a final form factor is achieved. If the preferred height (40-43 mm) is not obtained after the first two stages of the stretching forming process, the stainless-steel material is heated to a temperature of 900 degrees Fahrenheit for at least twenty minutes, cooled for a pre-determined period and re-stretched for the third time. Once cooled, the material is placed within a concave/convex mold to ensure a uniform first, second, and third thickness at the elliptical rim, sidewall region, and base portion respectively. Once spun and balanced, the material is then edge cut to form the substantially elliptical and outward extending rim surface which will be further polished and sanded until a smooth surface is achieved.

Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a germ-free metallic container apparatus;

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the substantially elliptical rim surface and vertical boundary;

FIG. 1B provides a view of a plurality of traditional rim constructions;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus; and

FIG. 3. is a flowchart illustrating a method of fabrication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom. Furthermore, as used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship, or order between such entities or elements.

The dichotomy of beverage container rim construction was often a product of their regional influences and cultural utility. For example, and better illustrated in FIG. 1 [[C]] B, are both eastern and western container construction which show either an indefinite rim region or a pronounced “rolled rim.” Traditional eastern construction was designed using low durometer and thin material (approximately 0.4 millimeters) which provided a basic structure with a vertical sidewall which protrudes outward to form a sharp rim region which was often used to merely pour liquids. When these basic designs were adopted in Western cultures and pressed against the lips of the user, they often lead to injuries and failed to provide a uniform seal with the user's mouth. Further, their thinly constructed containers would often become damaged or deformed when dropped.

Western designs incorporated a highly pronounced “rolled/crimped rim” comprised of a thicker material (0.4-.6 millimeters) which provide a greater seal when pressed against the lips of the user but lead to bacteria accumulation within crevices under the “rolls” after use/washing. These designs also fail to provide a uniform seal with the user's mouth. Though constructed with a thicker rim than Eastern construction, these designs often become scratched or dented when dropped on a surface and “top heavy” design created an unstable container when placed on a table or stored within a cabinet.

The embodiments provided include a germ-free metallic container apparatus comprised of a stainless-steel material having a vertical boundary and elliptical lid surface that is mouth contoured to minimize air ingestion to the user and provides an edge to allow a cup lid to be releasably attached. In the preferred embodiment, the stainless-steel and smooth inner surface provide a sterile environment by eliminating any cracks, edges, or crevices that form along the interior of the container. The hand polished and edged cut container prevents bacteria accumulation along the surface of the container and enable an optimal seal when placed against the lips of the user. The elongated and slender shaped sidewall further allows user to stack containers on top of one another without the worry of cross-contamination from debris accumulated in traditional unpolished designs.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the views. There is shown in FIG. 1 a perspective view of a germ-free metallic container apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 includes an elliptical rim surface 12 at the top end of the apparatus 14 with a horizontally protruding edge 16 forming a right angle 18 with the vertical boundary 20. The vertical boundary 20 which defines a first perimeter 21 is affixed to the crystallized sidewall portion 24 at a first junction 22. The contoured neck region 23 mechanically connects the first junction 22 with a first end of the crystallized sidewall portion 24 which extends at a downward angle to a base portion 25 at the second end 26. The preferred embodiments shown contemplate an apparatus 10 comprised of a stainless-steel material with varying thickness from one to three millimeters in diameter. However, the apparatus 10 may be constructed of any suitable metal as long as it provides a polished inside surface 28 which minimizes or eliminates bacteria to the contents of the apparatus 10. While FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10 fabricated in accordance with the invention, such a container may be constructed in a number of varying shapes and configurations using a single (i.e., monolayer) or multiple sheets of stainless-steel material affixed in a disc-shaped orientation.

The elliptical rim surface 12 is substantially elliptical and perpendicular to a vertical axis 30 which runs in the longitudinal direction from the base portion 25. A protruding edge 16 defines the first perimeter 21 and further includes a vertical boundary 20 which is parallel to the vertical axis 30 and forms a right angle with the elliptical rim surface 12. The protruding edge 16 is further dimensioned to releasably accept a non-threaded enclosure such as a spill-proof lid which may be secured to the top end of the apparatus 14 about the first perimeter 21 to form a hermetic seal and prevents any contents of the apparatus 10 from spilling. One of the objects of the preferred embodiments is to provide an optimal level surface to form a hermetic seal with a releasably attached lid and provide right angled edges to provide an anchor for the bottom side of the lid. The configuration of the elliptical rim surface 12 prevents excessive air ingestion by providing an even elliptical surface which forms an ideal seal with the lips and mouth of a user when drinking from the container which is not found with traditional rim designs.

Further illustrated in FIG. 1 is the contoured neck region 23 which depends on the elliptical rim surface 12. The sidewall 24 extends from the first junction 22 through the neck region 23 to the second end 26 and base portion 25. The sidewall 24 are constructed from a stainless-steel material with a first uniform diameter 33. While the sidewall 23 are illustrated within the preferred embodiments as a single monolayer sheet which has been die cast, the construction contemplates a plurality of different sized container which may be constructed of a single continuous sheet or plurality of disc-shaped sheets affixed to one another.

The base portion 25 is cylindrically shaped with a closed base portion 25 which provides enhanced stability to the apparatus 10 by compressing the sidewall 24 and constructing the base portion 25 with a second and thicker diameter than the first uniform diameter 33. The base portion includes a horizontally elliptical bottom surface 34 which is substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis 30 and defines the narrower second perimeter of the apparatus 35. The base portion also includes a curved edge 36 at the intersection of the sidewall 24 and elliptical bottom surface 34. In practice, both the elliptical rim surface 12 and horizontal bottom surface 34 are parallel to one another but may include a variation of fewer than two degrees from “absolute” parallel. The base portion 25 further is comprised of second uniform diameter 37 which is wider than the first uniform thickness 33 of the sidewall 24.

Referring now to FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the elliptical rim surface 12 including the neck region 23 and sidewall 24. Further illustrated in FIG. 1A is the horizontally protruding edge 16 and vertical boundary 20 which enable the user to releasably attach a non-threaded lid covers by depressing the bottom surface of the lid against the top end of the apparatus 14 until popped into position. The horizontally protruding edge 16 and vertical boundary 20 design enable for a hermetic seal to be formed about the elliptical rim surface 12.

Referring now to FIG. 1B is a view of traditional rims with children's drinking cups including a folded, rolled, and elongated design. These traditional designs used for comparison illustrate the difficulty in cleaning around the crevices of the rolled and folded design. While the elongated design has a dangerous spike tip which may be inadvertently bitten or fall onto.

Referring now to FIG. 2 is a view of the apparatus 10 in the upright position with a lower center of gravity. The apparatus 10 and protruding edge 16 provide a sterile environment to the contents of the apparatus 10 by providing a polished inside surface 28 which is prevalent in traditional disposable and rolled-rim containers.

Referring now to FIG. 3 a flowchart illustrating a method of fabrication of the germ-free metallic container apparatus 10 according to the presented embodiments of FIG. 1-3. The method includes selecting a monolayer stainless-steel sheet 300. The preferred embodiments provide for an 18/8 stainless-steel material which is initially cut 301 into a pre-dimensioned monolayer using a rolling slit machine for better handling. Once the sheet of stainless-steel is cut to specification 301, it is then inspected for latent damage and defects. If satisfactory, the stainless-steel monolayer (i.e., sheet) is sprayed 302 with a painting oil lubricant until an even film has formed along the sheet's exterior surface. The sheet is then subjected to a three-stage longitudinal stretch forming process using a stretch press or form die in conjunction with gripping jaws 303. The sheet is then subjected to the second stage stretching 304 in an attempt to reach the preferred height. If the preferred height is not obtained after the second stage stretching 304, the sheet is heated to a temperature of 900 degrees Fahrenheit 305 for a period of at least twenty minutes while third stage stretching 306 is performed until the preferred height is obtained. The sheet is then cooled 306 and re-inserted within a die for final balancing and shaping under continuous pressure.

After the final form factor, has been achieved, the apparatus 10 is then edge cut 308 and deburred 309 to ensure any edge deviation is eliminated. Once edge cut 308, the apparatus 10 is then sanded 310 and hand polished using a plurality of emery cloths to remove any fine burrs or scratches from the surface of the apparatus 10. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A germ-free polished stainless-steel drinking apparatus, comprising: a substantially elliptical rim surface having a horizontally protruding edge which defines a first perimeter of the apparatus and further includes a uniform vertical boundary, the uniform vertical boundary being substantially parallel to the axis of the apparatus and further defining a first thickness to provide an optimal seal to the mouth of a user while drinking from the apparatus; a crystallized sidewall region having a second thickness and is affixed to a first section of the uniform vertical boundary and to a closed base portion to define a height of the apparatus; and a base closed portion having a third thickness and further including a cylindrically shaped outskirt which defines a second perimeter of the apparatus.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially elliptical rim surface is configured to prevent a bacteria growth at the vertical boundary while not in use.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elliptical rim surface is further dimensioned to releasably receive at least one non-threaded lid cover.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first thickness is greater of the substantially plan rim surface is greater than the second thickness of the crystallized sidewall region.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cylindrically shaped outskirt further includes a contoured surface at an intersection with the sidewall.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base portion is comprised of a second diameter which provides an optimal center of gravity to the apparatus.
 7. A germ-free polished stainless-steel drinking apparatus, comprising: a substantially elliptical rim surface including a protruding edge defining a first perimeter; the protruding edge further including a vertical boundary and comprised of a first thickness to provide an optimal seal to the mouth of a user while drinking from the apparatus; a sidewall having a second thickness and extending from a first junction at a base of the vertical boundary to a cylindrically shaped base portion defining a height of the apparatus; and a closed base portion having a third thickness and further including a horizontal plane perpendicular and laterally spaced from the substantially elliptical rim surface which further defines a second perimeter of the apparatus.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the apparatus is comprised of a highly-polished and crystallized 18/8 stainless-steel material to at least prevent an oxidation formation along the surface of the apparatus.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first thickness is at least one millimeter.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second thickness is at least 0.6 millimeters.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the third thickness is at least 0.7 millimeters.
 12. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the substantially elliptical rim surface and the closed base portion are substantially perpendicular to an axis of the apparatus.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the base portion further includes a concave region at an intersection of the sidewall and elliptical bottom surface.
 14. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the height of the apparatus is at least apparatus forty millimeters.
 15. A method of fabricating a germ-free metallic container, the method comprising: providing a stainless-steel material in a solid state; inserting the stainless-steel material into a stilling machine; lubricating the stainless-steel material with a paint oil lubricant to form a uniform film on the surface; stretching the stainless-steel using a hydraulic stretch press; heating the stainless-steel material to a temperature of at least 900 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of twenty minutes; placing the stainless-steel material into a concave/convex mold die; contouring a protruding edge of the elliptical rim surface with an edge cutter; and hand polishing the apparatus until a smooth surface is achieved. 